Gary Ross ('Big') Takes the Reins for Academy Lecture on Screenwriting
Gary Ross Takes the Reins for Academy Lecture on Screenwriting

Beverly Hills, CA — Gary Ross, whose screenplays for Big, Dave and Seabiscuit have all earned Oscar nominations, will deliver the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Marvin Borowsky Lecture on Screenwriting on Friday, September 10, at 7:30 p.m., in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Ross, who also directed Seabiscuit and earned a Best Picture nomination as one of its producers, is a filmmaker who delves into America's favorite pastimes and lauded institutions to create films with a unique and distinctive voice. His first produced screenplay, Big, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Penny Marshall, was a blockbuster comedy that resulted not only in a nomination for his writing with Anne Spielberg, but an acting nomination for Hanks. He then drew on his knowledge and love of the American political process for his screenplay of Dave" In addition to the above titles, Ross also wrote and directed Pleasantville.

Outside the film industry, Ross has remained socially active in a variety of philanthropic and political activities. During his tenure as president of the Los Angeles Library, he established mentoring programs for inner city youth and expanded teenage and youth-at-risk services throughout the Los Angeles library system.

The Marvin Borowsky Lecture provides an opportunity for established film writers to share their experiences, and to discuss the challenges and delights of writing for the screen. The lecture is named in memory of the screenwriter, novelist and teacher.

Tickets for the Marvin Borowsky Lecture on Screenwriting featuring Gary Ross are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with valid identification. They may be purchased in advance at the Academy during regular business hours, by mail, or on the night of the event when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3000, ext. 111.